| Cypro-Minoan | |
|---|---|
| Script type | Syllabary
|
Time period | c. 1550–1050 BC |
| Status | Extinct |
| Direction | Left to right |
| Languages | unknown |
| Related scripts | |
Parent systems | Linear A
|
Child systems | Cypriot syllabary |
| ISO 15924 | |
| ISO 15924 | Cpmn (402), Cypro-Minoan |
| Unicode | |
Unicode alias | Cypro Minoan |
| U+12F90–U+12FFF | |
The Cypro-Minoan syllabary (CM), more commonly called the Cypro-Minoan Script, is an undeciphered syllabary used on the island of Cyprus and at its trading partners during the late Bronze Age and early Iron Age (c. 1550–1050 BC). The term "Cypro-Minoan" was coined by Arthur Evans in 1909 based on its visual similarity to Linear A on Minoan Crete, from which CM is thought to be derived.[1] Approximately 250 objects—such as clay balls, cylinders, and tablets which bear Cypro-Minoan inscriptions, have been found. Discoveries have been made at various sites around Cyprus, as well as in the ancient city of Ugarit on the Syrian coast. It is thought to be somehow related to the later Cypriot syllabary.
The Cypro-Minoan Script was in use during the Late Cypriot period from the LC IA:2 period until the LC IIIA period or roughly from 1500 BC until 1150 BC. This is mainly based with the stratigraphy of the Kourion site but is in line with examples excavated at other sites.[2]